In an unjust world order, Trkiye and BRICS naturally align

“We are determined to deepen our dialogue with the BRICS family, with which we have developed close relations based on mutual respect and win-win positions… We believe that BRICS makes a unique contribution to building a fairer global order by serving the goals of developing global trade, economic growth and sustainable development,” President Recep Tayyip Erdoan said while reiterating Trkiye's sincere intention to join BRICS in his speech at the recent summit of the block in Kazan, Tatarstan.

Erdoan's participation in the BRICS summit certainly provided the impetus for Trkiyes' journey to finally join that club, a bold and strategically timely move that is viewed by Western capitals with great suspicion for a number of reasons. Trkiye's membership in NATO would be a historic first, positioning the country as the only member of the alliance to openly challenge Western powers. Relations between Ankara and its Western counterparts have deteriorated due to escalating violence in the Middle East. Erdoan, during the meeting themed “Strengthening multilateralism for equitable global development and security”, highlighted the inadequacy of the post-World War II political and financial structures, which failed to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape, where socio-economic vulnerabilities are increasing. , and the balance of power is evolving.

The Turkish president's message was clear: his country remains committed to the idea that a fairer world is achievable. At a time of profound global challenges, whether economic inequality, security threats or climate crises, Erdoan's stance is indicative of a growing unease between Trkiye and the West on these issues, in particularly the instability in the Middle East. The one-on-one meeting between Erdoan and his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the Kazan summit was also taken with a grain of salt by many Western capitals.

Trkiyes' official bid to join BRICS marked a key moment for this important group. Since its establishment in 2006, BRICS has become one of the most influential and effective blocs in terms of economic and political stability across the world. As a growing economy, the entry of Trkiyes would certainly increase and strengthen the role of BRICS. The recent integration of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) highlights the group's expansion in the Middle East and Middle East regions. Africa, which are strategically important for Trkiye. This change also shows that BRICS is quickly emerging as an important platform giving voice to countries in the South.

With their recent expansion, BRICS now accounts for 28% of the global economy, 45% of the world's population and 44% of crude oil production, demonstrating their growing potential to change the global scene. This force supports the idea of ​​a multipolar world and promotes fairer international relations. By uniting nations with divergent economic and political perspectives under one roof, BRICS can tackle pressing global issues and encourage fairer global governance. In a fragmented world where unilateralism often reigns, a stronger BRICS alliance provides a space for cooperation focused on inclusiveness and respect.

Symbol of the Global South

BRICS is a powerful symbol of the South's hopes, extending beyond its original members. Since its creation, this group has forged strong links, aligned with the wishes of emerging markets and developing countries. BRICS has always supported openness and collaboration. Trkiye's application for membership is a reflection of the attractiveness and strategic importance that BRICS has acquired over the years.

It seems that multipolarity is gaining ground in the countries of the South. As BRICS continues to invite new members, its role as an alternative to Western power will only strengthen. This will help shape global governance and build a fairer world order. What makes BRICS attractive is essentially that it represents a united voice in pursuit of an open system.

Trkiye's desire to join BRICS sparked reactions in Washington and Brussels. We completely understand why. Trkiye has been on the path to EU membership for many years, but it has not been easy or smooth sailing. After lengthy and unsuccessful negotiations for EU membership, Erdoan now appears ready to explore other options. By applying to become a full member of BRICS, Trkiye is not only making a strong geopolitical statement, but also carving out a role for itself as an influential player in an ever-changing world order.

This is also symptomatic of power moving away from traditional Western centers. Trkiye's foreign policy position often clashes with that of NATO and the EU on issues like Gaza, Syria and Ukraine, illustrating an independent foreign policy agenda. Ankara is trying to manage a complex diplomatic landscape that balances Western ties with aspirations in this new multipolar context. What we are witnessing is not simply a change in Trkiye’s transition to its global role.

Why an alternative?

BRICS includes large emerging countries like Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, as well as new members like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran. It's all about economic teamwork and growth. It champions diversity, all kinds of differences can coexist productively within it. Even if member states have different political beliefs, they can still work together successfully, which is a true demonstration of potential cooperation.

By joining the BRICS, Trkiye would fit perfectly into this focus on economic development as it is expected to become one of the top 12 economies by 2050. Membership would give Trkiye an alternative to the rules-based international framework and focused on the West. It's more than symbolic. It highlights what developing countries want: global equity.

Additionally, it could help ease tensions between NATO and BRICS countries like China and Russia by bridging gaps between cultures, showing that Western domination does not have to define everything.

For nearly two decades, BRICS has attracted considerable attention due to its success in providing an alternative to today's unjust international system, which often leaves developing countries behind. This unfair configuration pushes many people towards BRICS, which symbolize the hope for better cooperation. Although financial collaboration is part of what drives BRICS forward as it remains magnetic, its five original members account for more than half of global growth, even during tough times. With new members entering this mix, meaning higher growth potential and improved access through enhanced resource capabilities throughout their developments, they remain united as their numbers increase.

Positioning itself as an alternative to the World Bank rather than the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the New Development Bank (NDB), first proposed in 2011 and operational in 2015, was launched with capital of 100 billion of dollars. Although its pockets are not as deep as those of the World Bank, the NDB's local currency lending policy sets it apart, which is one of the main reasons why more and more countries are choosing to join the BRICS. This development nevertheless requires a nuanced analysis, neither exaggerated nor neglected.

Official NDB figures reveal that 96 projects are currently financed with loans totaling $32.8 billion. The majority are concentrated in China, Russia, Brazil, India and Egypt, with a total of $20 billion in US dollars and the equivalent of $3 billion in euros. Interestingly, more than $5 billion of loans are denominated in renminbi, indicating a gradual change. Even if the share of local currencies still remains tiny, the movement is quite palpable in this direction. With around 75% of NDB loans still tied to the dollar and euro, it is too early to declare that BRICS is dismantling dollar hegemony. However, this calls into question the influence of the dollar on the global economy. It is clear that the BRICS are exploring alternatives that neither the IMF nor the World Bank are proposing. While the NDB may not yet rival the World Bank, its existence points to the possibility of broader financial change. So where does Trkiye fit into this equation, and why are BRICS so attractive to Ankara?

The NDB mobilizes funds for infrastructure in member countries. This initiative builds the confidence of other countries who also wish to become members. Beyond simply financing operations, strong infrastructure helps support peaceful conflict resolutions, stabilize forces within security sectors, and promote cultural exchange by fostering respect between diverse backgrounds.

The so-called wisdom of the BRICs is helping nations approach delicate international relations through openness. This approach protects the dignity of each member while maximizing the benefits of collaboration in highly divided environments. BRICS leaders champion development goals globally as representatives of the Global South.

The bloc also serves as a hub for shaping future global governance and strengthening collaboration with new regions like the Middle East to strengthen global synergy in the energy and finance sectors. It helps members expand their influence and gain ground to maintain balance and improve the necessary regional dynamics. Members are able to address challenges more effectively through incremental reviews of practices by managing complexities for successful integration and seamless compatibility. This cooperation supports common aspirations based on unchanged principles focused solely on collective growth and united efforts to establish centers fostering stronger partnerships.

So, Trkiyes' inclusion in this club would definitely be a win-win proposition.

The Sabah Daily News Bulletin

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